Ready For One More Battle With Old Club

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Justin Hodges says it is fitting that his last game at Suncorp Stadium will be against his old club the Sydney Roosters.

Brisbane will play the Roosters this Friday night in a do-or-die preliminary final for a place in the NRL Grand Final.

Although Hodges began his career with the Broncos in 2000, it was his three seasons in Sydney between 2002-2004 that showed the competition just how good a player he could be.

Hodges won a premiership with the Roosters in 2002 and amassed an impressive 26 tries in 58 games with the club.

Hodges returned to Brisbane in 2005 and it did not take long for the Australian international to taste success.

His great performance from fullback inspired the team to glory in the 2006 decider, with the Broncos grinding out a gutsy 15-8 win over the Melbourne Storm – the most recent of Brisbane’s six premierships.

Now nine years on, the retiring Broncos captain wants one more shot at premiership glory.

“When I saw they were first (on the table), I thought if we got to a grand final it would be against them,” said Hodges of the Roosters.

“I thought it would be fitting if I played a grand final against the two sides that I had won (premierships) with, but it’s come a week early.

“I have always loved the Roosters. They are a great club.

“It’s only right that I get to play against them in a big semi.”

Hodges has featured in some great centre battles over his 15-year career but none fiercer than that with Roosters’ flyer Michael Jennings.

Roommates from the 2009 Australian Kangaroos tour of England and France, the pair share a friendly rivalry.

Hodges is looking forward to one last opportunity to get the wood over his old mate.

“We’ve had a good battle,” said Hodges

“He’s a great player and a guy you always love playing against.

“He always brings the best out of me and I do the same for him as well.

“It’s going to be a great ending to play against him so I’m looking forward to it.”